07/19/02

Etta James Burns Down House on DVD/VHS

Etta James will be starting fires in homes throughout the country this fall. No, the singer has not begun a career as an arsonist, but if the title of her upcoming release is any indication, fans will be feeling the heat, so to speak.

On August 6, Burnin' Down the House, a live performance by James and the Roots Band, will be available in stores on VHS and DVD. The recording, which was shot in December 2001 at the Los Angeles House of Blues, acts as a companion to James' CD of the same name, which was released on May 7 by RCA/Victor. James, who gained fame throughout the '50s and '60s with a string of blues and R&B hits, and who has continued to perform and record into the new millennium, is known for her gospel-influenced vocals and provocative stage behavior.

The 90-minute set marks the first time a James performance with her Roots Band has been made available on video. The singer performs several of the songs she made famous, including "At Last," "Your Good Thing is about to End," "Come to Mama" and "Rock Me Baby." Also featured on the recording are two Al Green covers, "Love and Happiness" and "Take Me to the River," as well as a medley of "I Just Want to Make Love to You" and "Born to Be Wild."

The recording, which will be released by Eagle Eye Media and distributed by Pioneer Entertainment, will sell at a suggested retail price of $14.98 on VHS and $19.98 on DVD.